Color Converter
Convert between HEX, RGB, and HSL color formats instantly. Includes a color picker, CSS snippets, and shades generator.
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Shades & Tints
HEX vs RGB vs HSL Explained
HEX is a 6-character hexadecimal representation of a color, prefixed with #. Each pair of characters represents the Red, Green, and Blue channels (00–FF). It is the most common format in web development and CSS.
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) defines a color by mixing three light channels, each ranging from 0 to 255. rgb(255, 0, 0) is pure red. RGB is intuitive for understanding color mixing but less intuitive for adjusting brightness or saturation.
HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) is the most human-friendly format. Hue is a degree on the color wheel (0°=red, 120°=green, 240°=blue). Saturation controls vividness (0%=gray, 100%=full). Lightness controls brightness (0%=black, 100%=white). HSL makes it easy to create color variations by simply adjusting lightness.
When to Use Each Format
HEX: CSS stylesheets, design tools, brand guidelines. The most compact and widely used format.
RGB: JavaScript color manipulation, canvas drawing, when you need to mix channels programmatically.
HSL: Creating color palettes, adjusting brightness/saturation, generating accessible color schemes. Best for design work.
CSS Color Usage Tips
Modern CSS supports all three formats. Use hsl() when you need to create hover states (just change lightness), dark mode variants, or consistent color palettes. Use shorthand HEX (#RGB) for common colors like #fff and #000.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I convert HEX to RGB?
- Split the HEX code into 3 pairs (RR, GG, BB) and convert each from hex to decimal. #FF6B6B = R:255, G:107, B:107. This tool does it automatically.
- What is the difference between RGB and HSL?
- RGB mixes red, green, and blue light (0–255). HSL uses hue (color), saturation (vividness), and lightness (brightness). HSL is more intuitive for creating color variations.
- How do I convert a color to HEX?
- Convert each RGB value (0–255) to a 2-digit hex number and prefix with #. RGB(255, 107, 107) → #FF6B6B.
- What is HSL color?
- Hue (0–360°), Saturation (0–100%), Lightness (0–100%). Hue selects the color, saturation controls vividness, lightness controls brightness.
- How do I find the RGB value of a color?
- Click the color swatch above to open the color picker. Select any color and the RGB, HEX, and HSL values appear instantly.